We cannot recommend Christen highly enough for any digital fundraising needs you may have. Her expertise, enthusiasm, professionalism, and gift of speech (written and spoken) were all clearly evident as she led us through a giving campaign. Christen was consistently prompt, very organized and timely with a written schedule which she adhered to throughout the process. We could not have successfully accomplished our fundraising efforts without Christen’s guidance from beginning to completion. She expertly adapted and adjusted throughout the campaign as was necessary to ensure our positive outcome.”
Digital Congregations, led by Christen Kinard, is a much-needed resource in the world of church communications. No matter the size of your church, budget, or communications team, Christen is inspiring, encouraging, and extremely helpful.”
We had a couple visit and mentioned that they found us by the website and came because we looked like a welcoming and friendly place. We were all happy to hear this of course because that is exactly what we asked you to do for us 🙂 ”
I have spent over ten years as a church communications consultant and can verify that there are very few individuals who understand all the communication needs of a congregation: understanding of digital communication strategies, marketing for a religious audience, unique challenges with trying to reach different age groups, and limited financial and personnel resources to spend on these needs, to name a few. Not only does Christen appreciate and know how to navigate these difficulties, but she also brings valuable experience from the
competitive for-profit and retail world. Every dollar you spend on her services will take you further than you thought possible and be worth every penny.”
Digital Congregations has elevated our opportunity to effectively communicate the message of Christ’s love. Christen is a compassionate, yet critical thinker who took the time needed to understand our particular church ethos and then applied that understanding to a branding package and website that we could not have seen for ourselves. One of her many superpowers is showing us how to present our church in a more polished, yet truly authentic-to-us style. We are grateful!
Christen’s series on stewardship was refreshing and rejuvenating. Through her teaching, she helped me and my congregants shift our attitudes and language around giving in a church context. Not only did she offer practical advice about things like how to best communicate with the different kinds of givers in our congregation, she also gave us the tools to consider big picture questions about what it means to have a stewardship campaign in this day and age. Most importantly the whole group walked away from the series refreshed and excited about our fall campaign! And I just know that kind of excitement will have a positive impact on our upcoming campaign.
For context, I am an ordained PCUSA pastor in the St. Augustine Presbytery (Florida). Until this year, I worked bi-vocationally, splitting my time between congregational ministry and my nonprofit, which is a Validated Ministry within our presbytery.
I “met” Christen during the pandemic through one of her courses sponsored by the presbytery. Since then, I have worked with her primarily through my nonprofit but have had other touchpoints with her through my leadership with the presbytery and on staff with a church. Working with Christen at every level has been a positive experience.
Christen speaks fluent “church” and “nonprofit.” She demonstrates this through her ability to translate fundraising concepts into language that resonates with a congregation or nonprofit, while maintaining sensitivity to the organization’s culture and values. She can work with people of all abilities, if they are willing to learn. She is professional, responds in a timely manner, and works to meet the goals you set.
When I launched my nonprofit, I knew very little about social media and I fundraised “accidentally,” without a coherent message, strategy or purpose. After 3 years, I continue to work with Christen, especially around fundraising. She crafts my message better and faster than I can, coaches me through the steps with encouragement, and follows up with a “debrief” on what can be done better next time. I highly recommend working with Christen for your stewardship campaign!
